Biography

Bramante was born c. 1444 in Fermignano near Urbino. Though there are several works potentially attributable to him, very little is known about his early life and works. His known artistic activity is divided into two periods: that in Milan, and that in Rome.

Bramante's work in Milan is characterized by its decorative style. The first architectural work that can definitely be attributed to him is from this period: a print made in 1481 by Bernardo Prevedari (a Milanese engraver) from a drawing Bramante had done of a ruined temple. The first structure attributed to Bramante is the church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro. This church showed Bramante's ability to design in accordance with local aesthetics as well as his influences by Alberti, Mantegna, Brunelleschi, and the Urbino School.

Beginning in 1482, Bramante was commissioned by the Sforzas to reconstruct the rectory of Sant'Ambrogio. This was interrupted, however, by the fall of Ludovico Sforza and though the work was resumed in the 16th century, only one side of the building was finished. His activities in the 1490's leading up to his move to Rome are sporadically documented.

Bramante moved to Rome c. 1499. Here he served on several architectural councils. During this period, Oliviero Carafa, a cardinal of Naples, commissioned the first work known to be by Bramante: the monastery and cloister of Santa Maria della Pace (finished in 1504). Bramante also began the Tempietto in San Pietro in Montorino in 1502.

The election of Pope Julius II in October of 1503 marked a new phase in Bramante's work; he entered the service of the new pope almost immediately. He became the "interpreter" of Julius II's desire to recreate the ancient empire (renovation imperii). Beginning in 1505, he both designed the courtyard of Belvedere and and began planning the new St. Peter's Basilica. He eventually was named general superintendent of all papal construction. He carried out a great deal of work through this office and, even after the death of Julius II, Bramante remained in the favor of Leo X.

Toward the end of 1513, he was consulted about the cathedral of Foligno, he was too ill to accept the commission and died the next year. He is buried in St. Peter's Basilica.